Menu
Output of the EuroPris Staff Wellbeing Expert Group
Staff wellbeing is a critical foundation for the effective functioning of prison systems. Working in high-stress, emotionally demanding environments exposes prison staff to significant psychological and physical risks, which can impact not only their personal health but also the quality and safety of prison operations. Despite this, staff wellbeing has often been approached in fragmented or reactive ways, lacking a unified framework or practical tools to support systemic action. The absence of shared references across jurisdictions, along with limited resources and guidance, has made it difficult for prison administrations to respond proactively.
However, across Europe there is increasing acknowledgment that the wellbeing of prison staff cannot continue to be viewed as a marginal or purely individual concern. To address these gap, EuroPris convened an expert group on Staff Wellbeing to assess common challenges and identify practical approaches and strategies for the wellbeing of staff.
The members of the EuroPris Staff Wellbeing Expert Group (term 2023-2025) have developed this innovative and interactive Digital Tool on Staff Wellbeing, including several sections: Digital Handbook, Self-Assessment Tool, Field Insights, and Articles.
This output is a structured, practical, and flexible resource to guide wellbeing strategies and interventions in prison settings. It compiles European hands-on examples, concrete guidance, and adaptable approaches aimed at improving institutional culture and supporting those who work in custodial settings.
The Digital Tool on Staff Wellbeing is intended to be useful for prison administration, HR units, institutional leaders, operational managers, and frontline staff alike, helping to embed wellbeing as a strategic and cultural priority across European prison services.
"When we invest in those who care for others, we build safer, stronger, and more humane institutions."
The digital handbook designed as an interactive tool, contains 5 chapters reflecting the drivers of wellbeing. Each of those 5 chapters have several subchapters which follow the same structure: Setting the Scene (introducing the subsection), Making it Happen (listing good methods), connected Field Insights (related to the topic), and Resources to Inspire Change (containing valuable links).
Discover practical strategies, field insights, and tools across five wellbeing dimensions: Health, Leadership, Work Environment, Relationships, and Purpose. Designed for prison services across Europe, this handbook helps foster a supportive, resilient and effective workplace.
The Self-Assessment-Tool is an integrated survey self-assessment-tool/addressing wellbeing questions in the areas of the five wellbeing drivers, providing as result recommendations after filling the questionnaire.
Use our Self-Assessment Tool to identify which areas of the manual are most relevant to your current needs and challenges. This quick guide will point you to the most helpful sections, so you can start with what matters most, right now.
The Field Insights is a collection of best practices and good examples of the experts of the group and their national approaches.
Field Insights are real-life examples from European prison systems that show how wellbeing strategies, leadership practices, and staff support measures are being put into action.
Each insight highlights concrete initiatives, what was done, why it mattered, and what impact it had, offering practical inspiration for others looking to implement meaningful change.
They bring the handbook’s key principles to life through lived experience.
The Articles present several wellbeing related essays written by the experts of the Staff Wellbeing Expert Group.
Wellbeing is not a Cost: It’s a Strategic Investment
What if improving staff wellbeing could lower absenteeism, reduce turnover, and boost institutional safety?
Explore why investing in the health and resilience of prison staff leads to better outcomes for your people and your organisation.
The EuroPris Staff Wellbeing Expert Group – Coordinated by EuroPris Deputy Director Justina Dzienko
2023 – 2025
Ireland
[email protected]
Scotland
[email protected]
Catalonia
[email protected]
Finland
[email protected]
Hungary
[email protected]
Italy
[email protected]
Croatia
[email protected]
England & Wales
[email protected]
Lithuania
[email protected]